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IGAD Media Awards

About the Awards

The IGAD Media Awards is a flagship initiative by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) that celebrates and amplifies journalistic excellence across the region. Established as part of IGAD’s commitment to promote ethical, responsible, and impactful media, the Awards honour journalists, media professionals, and storytellers who contribute to regional peace, development, and integration.

Each year, the Awards spotlight a pressing regional issue, aligned with IGAD’s strategic priorities, ranging from peace and security to climate resilience. Beyond recognition, the Awards provide a dynamic platform for professional growth, collaboration, and public engagement, fostering a vibrant and ethical media landscape across Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.

Rooted in IGAD’s Communication Strategy and Institutional Strengthening Action Programme (ISAP), the initiative seeks to elevate the role of the media as partners in shaping narratives that matter.

The IGAD Media Awards are free and open to:

  • Practicing journalists from any of the eight IGAD Member States.
  • Freelance journalists and independent media professionals.
  • Journalists from mainstream, digital, or multimedia platforms.
  • Foreign correspondents and content creators whose work focuses on the IGAD region.
  • All entries must have been published or broadcast between April 1 and the closing date of the call for submissions.
  1. Print – Recognises outstanding newspaper or magazine reporting that demonstrates depth, accuracy, and impact on regional issues.
  2. Radio – Honours compelling audio storytelling—including features, podcasts, or documentaries—that inform and engage diverse audiences.
  3. Television Journalism – Awards excellence in televised news features, documentaries, or investigative reports addressing key regional themes.
  4. Digital Media – Celebrates innovative and impactful online journalism, including blogs, multimedia content, and digital storytelling formats.
  5. Photography – Acknowledges powerful visual storytelling through photo essays or single images capturing critical moments or narratives.
  6. Indigenous Language Reporting – Rewards impactful journalism delivered in local or national languages that broaden accessibility and inclusion.
  7. Influencer of the Year – Recognises a digital creator using social media to drive awareness and dialogue around development, peace, or climate issues.
  8. Upcoming Media Personality of the Year – Highlights an emerging journalist or content creator making a significant impact through fresh, dynamic storytelling.
  9. Gender Responsive Media – Honours reporting that champions gender equality, women’s voices, and inclusive narratives across the region.
  10. Lifetime Achievement Award – Pays tribute to a seasoned media professional for their enduring contributions to journalism and public service storytelling.

The judging process is led by a diverse panel of regional experts in journalism, media development, climate action, and governance. The process involves:

  • Screening: Entries are reviewed for eligibility and completeness.
  • Scoring: Judges evaluate submissions using a standardised rubric.
  • Deliberation: A moderated panel discussion ensures consensus on the strongest entries.
  • Final Selection: Winners are chosen based on cumulative scores and consensus.

All judges operate under a strict conflict-of-interest policy to ensure impartiality.

Each submission is evaluated based on:

  • Relevance to Theme: Coverage of climate change, resilience, adaptation, or regional development.
  • Accuracy and Depth: Use of reliable sources, data, and fact-checking.
  • Creativity and Innovation: Storytelling approach, format, or use of multimedia.
  • Impact and Reach: Influence on public discourse, behaviour, or policy.
  • Ethical Standards: Fairness, balance, and adherence to professional journalism ethics.

To ensure a smooth and fair competition, all participants must adhere to the following rules:

  1. All work must be original and clearly attributed. Plagiarism will lead to disqualification.
  2. Each participant may submit only one entry.
  3. All entries must be published or broadcast within the eligibility period.
  4. Submissions must include a working link or file upload of the media product.
  5. Translations or transcripts must be provided for entries not in English.
  6. Access to entries: If an outlet has a paywall or limited access, the entrant must provide entries in readable PDFs. Failure to provide accessible content during the screening and judging period will result in disqualification.
  7. Joint/team submissions are allowed and must indicate all contributing authors.
  8. By submitting an entry, participants grant IGAD the right to use the work for promotional, training, and advocacy purposes, with full attribution.
  9. The judges’ decision is final and not subject to appeal.
IGAD Media Awards 2025
IGAD Media Awards 2025
IGAD Media Awards 2025

For more details

Email: mediaawards@igad.int